My Norton is taking shape

[oldGSfan]

So the seat was too puffy/high and may be still. But it's lower than it was, and is super comfy. I looked high and low for foam online, and it was not easy to get ahold of. In the garage I picked up a 1.5" thick garden kneeling pad and thought hmm, this might work as a base, with the open cell firm foam on top. It works very well indeed. I took apart a small throw pillow and used the filler to fill spaces as well. Not perfect but not bad either.

Working on electrics - got a 3 phase alternator, Podtronics reg/rec, electronic ignition and single 2 plug coil. Original wiring harness is like new so I'll use it.

[Rob S.]

Now that's a proper looking motorcycle! What 'year' would you call It? Looks like a '72 or '73 to me.

[oldGSfan]

Now that's a proper looking motorcycle! What 'year' would you call It? Looks like a '72 or '73 to me.

It's a '66 per the guy I bought the basket case from, but it may be an early '67. Number guides vary in that era so it's tough to really know for sure. The front disc brake caliper and fork lowers are off a '73 Commando, so that may be what your eye picked up. The drilled disc is aftermarket upgrade.

[Nessism]

Where I work, we build aircraft crew seats, among other things. If that seat foam doesn't meet your expectations, I'll look up the foam spec we use and forward the info. I looked up the info one other time, and the foam is available in the aftermarket. A lot of our seats use laminated foam bases; one density of foam is used for one element, then other pieces, of different density, are glued together using contact adhesive.

[Rob S.]

How does it start? Does it have a compression release lever?

[oldGSfan]

How does it start? Does it have a compression release lever?

Kickstart on right. The lever is not mounted, I'm working on the timing and some adjustments to the frame bolts, center stand and fender mounts. The kick leverage isn't great on these Nortons with such a short lever but this one has lowish 7.5:1 compression. The pile of parts included a compression release device and lever but it's one that requires drilling a hole and tapping the cylinder head, that's not gonna happen.

[oldGSfan]

Where I work, we build aircraft crew seats, among other things. If that seat foam doesn't meet your expectations, I'll look up the foam spec we use and forward the info. I looked up the info one other time, and the foam is available in the aftermarket. A lot of our seats use laminated foam bases; one density of foam is used for one element, then other pieces, of different density, are glued together using contact adhesive.

Thanks, the stuff I used seems just about right, will see how it goes, it's a couple layers and I'm not bottoming out but it's quite comfy too. Feels like a bike seat should.

[oldGSfan]

Check this throttle linkage out on an Excelsior big X, late teens I suppose, I don't know much about them as they are a bit before my time. Cool bike, one among many at Drager's in Burlington WA.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Houc_nwfiGU?feature=share

[oldGSfan]

Here's another cool bike at the place...

[Rob S.]

Now that's delicious. The seat, not so much. I prefer the slim two-up seat circa 1972 Sportster. But it's got what I consider the mandatory air cleaner shape and shine.

Now, for extra credit: what are the two cars (is one a pick-up?) in the pic? Expiring minds want to know.

[oldGSfan]

Now that's delicious. The seat, not so much. I prefer the slim two-up seat circa 1972 Sportster. But it's got what I consider the mandatory air cleaner shape and shine.

Now, for extra credit: what are the two cars (is one a pick-up?) in the pic? Expiring minds want to know.

A Richard Petty tribute and a Datsun 1600, well, Nissan Fairlady.

https://www.dragers.com/vehicles/491/1967-plymouth-belvedere

https://www.dragers.com/vehicles/464/1967-datsun-fair-lady

[oldGSfan]

As I wait for the Norton's oil tank and painted side cover to be finished I took on a couple side tasks, neither is mine. One is a '67 Vespa 150 Sprint imported from Vietnam which is a nightmare electrically, plus this late '74 Honda ST90. It's a really cool little bike, a 'grown up' CT70 which is big enough for a full sized human and is basically dripping with cool, IMO. Now I want one. I've done the basics to get it ready to run again, but it needs a battery. It's pretty impressive how fully featured these were, street legal and I'd say way better than a scooter for getting around town, and able to do some trails too.

[dorkburger]

I did a semi restoration on 65 Raleigh Roma scooter several years ago. Wiring was pretty simple. I did have to draw a wiring diagram as I took it apart so I could put it to put it back together properly. Thankfully the wiring was intact before I started.

[oldGSfan]

Well the bike is ready for the oil tank to be returned so I can start it up - I left with the OG painter to match up the side cover I bought. Time marches on, the weather in CA hasn't been good for a guy who works out of his garage. It should be done in a few weeks but I've heard that before. Oh well, that's how things go.

In the meantime I have done just about everything I can to make the first startup successful. I have also gotten the side and center stands finished, that was possibly the hardest tasks, just old stuff not going together well, tight clearances due to a Norton engine in a Matchless frame. I got a reproduction tail light and number plate assembly off eBay, not without its issues but it is mounted. Man it's huge, but that's OK. I also mounted the electronic bits inside the reproduction tool/battery box, and finished up the wiring. It has a new 3 phase alternator and 12V positive ground regulator/rectifier. I thought about going negative ground but ahh, not really worth the bother IMO.

I hope to post a startup and ride video around June or July, I'll be back in Southern California and my son, my heir with no spare, will be helping. It will end up with him eventually.

[oldGSfan]

So here it is ready for the fitting of oil tank, fuel and oil lines, then a few small things to finish off and startup. I finished the wiring, tying in the Yamaha scooter master cylinder to the circuit. The bike had no front brake light switch, just rear from stock. I'm looking forward to having it titled and on the road by July. I may fiddle with the seat as aesthetically I would like it an inch lower.

The Uni air filter is squashed in, there's only an inch or so of clearance. I couln't figure out any other solution. Originally it had twin carbs which helped with room, but it still had a very slim air filter. I can live with it.